Final answer:
Early computers were central to complex computations, machine control, and data communication. With the advent of minicomputers in the 1970s, they became more accessible. The Macintosh computer in 1984 marked a turning point with its user-friendly graphic interface.
Step-by-step explanation:
The dawn of the computing age introduced revolutionary changes in how data was processed and information communicated. Early computers, such as the HB85B from the 1980s, were key to performing complex computations which were integral for tasks like weather prediction. They also played a crucial role in manufacturing, where they controlled machinery and in transportation, aiding in navigation and operation of vehicles like airplanes and cars.
The first commercial computers, which came about after World War II, were initially used by the military and large businesses. However, as technology advanced, costs decreased, and by the 1960s, institutions such as governments, businesses, and universities could afford them. The development of the space program also propelled advancements in computer technology, which was essential for the new era of satellite communications.
By the 1970s, computing technology became more accessible with the onset of general-purpose computers or minicomputers. The introduction of the Macintosh computer in 1984 by Apple, which featured a mouse and a graphic user interface with icons, solidified the revolution, making computers more user-friendly and setting a new standard that is still followed today.